Minister Kologeto awaits legal advice before acting on TEC report against TCSI Commissioner
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Minister of Communication and Aviation Frederick Kologeto is awaiting directives from his Permanent Secretary and legal advice from the Attorney General Chambers to take action on the Telecommunications Commission of Solomon Islands’ (TCSI) Evaluation report.
Kologeto made the statement in an exclusive interview with Island Sun when he responded to the serious allegations about the TCSI Commissioner Calvin Ziru’s financial spending and conduct in office.
A meeting to decide on the matter is yet to be conducted between the Permanent secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and the MID evaluation committee according to an insider from the Ministry of Communication and Aviation.
It was reportedly supposed to have been held yesterday but this did not eventuate.
A report from the TCSI Evaluation Committee had highlighted significant concerns with the Commissioner’s financial decisions, conduct in office and spending.
TCSI commissioner Ziru spoke with Island Sun but declined to comment on the record citing that he was yet to see the report and give his answers to authorities.
According to the TEC report in July 2022, the commissioner entered into a contract for the development of a TCSI development corporate plan with a Fijian, UNDP employee for a total value of $160,000 however there was no evidence of the outcome of the product.
The UNDP employee, under SI immigration and labour permit, is illegal to work outside his formal approved work permit. The service contract was not advised for public tender and some payments were paid in cash collected by the commissioner on the UNDP employee’s behalf.
The TEC report also indicated that on 6 October 2023, the commissioner instructed payment for overseas travel costs for medical, amounting to a $35,000 cash cheque but never went overseas as advised, reference cheque no 1708535.
On 28 April 2023, the commissioner instructed payment total of $75,580 (cheque no 1708403) for travel allowance to Fiji with an additional airfare of $120,33 (cheque no 1654996) however, he is only entitled to 25,000 per annum which he already used up with the local cost.
The TEC report indicated, there are a total of 22 allegations against the TCSI Commissioner which add up to 90% of his questionable practices in the office.
“The report came at the end of last year, 2024. Since I was new to the ministry, I wanted to read through it thoroughly to understand how the TECSI operates.
“I don’t want to jump to the conclusion quickly. I would to understand the situation to determine what action I can take. The action I would take will be guided by my Permanent Secretary (PS) and the legal advisor we have under the AG chamber. They are the ones to advise me on the actions to be taken,” said Kologeto.
The Minister also refuted claims that he is taking sides on the matter.
“Rumours are going around that I am taking sides with the commissioner. That’s not the case. Should there be solid evidence then an investigation would be made,” he said.
“I cannot do it on my own or from outside pressure. So, I will act according to the law,” he said.
He also pointed out that the TCSI is an independent body with its acts and mandate.
“He may act according to the law of his powers. It’s good for us to investigate it or challenge it in court. I’m always directed by my PS and legal advisor, and not on my own,” said Kologeto.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
